LOS ANGELES — LiAngelo Ball is taking a new direction in his career, shifting from his aspirations in basketball to a vibrant venture in the music industry, having recently secured a record deal.

Ball has officially signed with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, as confirmed by a representative from the label. Though he briefly played in the NBA and had experiences overseas, his entry into the music scene has gained considerable attention, particularly with the release of his debut rap single, “Tweaker,” which has gone viral, accumulating millions of views across social media platforms since its launch on January 3.

The song is characterized by its nostalgic mid-2000s rap influences, quickly resonating with audiences and earning the endorsement of notable musical figures like Meek Mill, Lil Yachty, and T-Pain. His rising popularity has also led to an exciting opportunity for him to perform at the upcoming Rolling Loud California festival in March, showcasing his newfound momentum in the industry.

At 25 years of age, Ball comes from a family deeply rooted in basketball, being the middle sibling of NBA players Lonzo Ball, who plays for the Chicago Bulls, and LaMelo Ball, an all-star with the Charlotte Hornets. Following an unsuccessful bid in the 2018 NBA draft, LiAngelo took part in training camps with several teams, including the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets, but was unable to secure a spot on a regular-season roster.

In the 2021 season, he joined the Greensboro Swarm, a team in the NBA G League, where he averaged 4.4 points and 1.1 rebounds over the span of 31 games. His basketball journey took a dramatic turn in the 2017-18 college season when LiAngelo began at UCLA. However, he was suspended due to a shoplifting incident during a trip to China, which led him to leave the university and pursue a contract with a club in Lithuania alongside his brother LaMelo.

Now, LiAngelo has solidified his place in the music world under the prestigious Def Jam label, known for housing iconic artists like 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Pusha T, and Rapsody. According to reports, his new contract with the label is estimated at around $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, providing him with complete ownership of his music and record label, marking a significant step in his evolving career.